For Wells has changed during his years in the mountains. He has become a Muslim. He finds the United States decadent and shallow. Yet he hates al Qaeda and the way it uses Islam to justify its murderous assaults on innocents. He is a man alone, and the CIA, still reeling from its failure to predict 9/11 or find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, does not know whether to trust him. Among his handlers at Langley, only Exley believes in him, and even she sometimes wonders. And so the agency freezes Wells out, preferring to rely on high-tech means for gathering intelligence.

But as that strategy fails and Khadri moves closer to unleashing the most devastating terrorist attack in history, Wells and Exley must somehow find a way to stop him, with or without the government's consent.

From secret American military bases where suspects are held and "interrogated" to basement laboratories where al Qaeda's scientists grow the deadliest of biological weapons, The Faithful Spy is a riveting and cautionary tale, as affecting in its personal stories as it is sophisticated in its political details. The first spy thriller to grapple squarely with the complexities and terrors of today's world, this is a uniquely exciting and unnerving novel by an author who truly knows his territory.

Very good book, in the post 911 anti-terrorist genre. I am really into spy novels, and I am glad I found Alex Bereson. I have exhausted classic master such as John Le Carre, and read through all of Daniel Silva's books. Berenson's is pretty close. For the female spy novel fans, there is just enough romance and internal character emotional struggle to make it not 100% macho.

The reader does an excellent job with a good story line. This is one of those rare espionage books about Al Queda that is easy to follow, well read, with a main character that you learn to care about. I almost gave it 4 stars instead because there are a few scenarios that seem unlikely. However, when I ask myself how this book compares to the scores of other books I've listened to in this genre I have to admit I was thoroughly entertained. This book has less action and bravado than a Vince Flynn novel but is a smarter read. You will not be disappointed.

Great beginning. Great end. The journey from A to Z is terror filled, thought provoking and well nuanced. The character of Wells is as well drawn as LeCarre's Lemas or Smiley. It is the perfect audio book. To abridge it would be like truncating the Venus de Milo.

My job commute was never so enthralling as I listened to The Faithful Spy. John is a strong and believable character due to the excellent reading by Robertson Dean. Mr. Dean brought the story alive and Alex Berenson can surely put together an intriguing spin on the current machinations of the Taliban and their minions. Thank you for the ride of a lifetime on my car stereo, you made traffic just disappear from my mind. Awesome job to both writer and reader!!

This is a tremendously successful effort by this author. I found this novel spellbinding and could not put my iPod down until I had heard the entire book. Why are there not more of Berenson's novels on Audible???

I'm half way through and I'M HOOKED. Having been a member for over 5 years, it's a pleasure to find something new. Exciting, interesting, well developed, quick alternate use of short-term characters keep the whole story alive. Don't wait for the movie.

The book feels as if Alex Berenson took this right out of the daily news. John Wells is a deep spy who has worked his way up in al Qaeda. He has been under cover for years and this is beginning to take its' toil on him. He is sent to the U.S. to be ready for a strike against America. Is this to be a "dirty bomb", chemical or biological attack? The story suspense builds as he waits and is sent on trial missions to test his loyalty. Then every thing happens at a brake neck speed. Lots of suspense, action and a great ending to the story. Robertson Dean did a great job narrating the story. This was my first book by Alex Berenson but it won't be the last.

I took a chance on this book because of the brief narrative and ended up truly enjoying the book all because of the narrator Robertson Dean. He made the book truly worth listening to. He gave the book a heart and soul. I so enjoyed his reading that I have been searching for other books that he has narrated.

Best audio book I have herd so far out of 20 similar books.
Couldn't stop listening !!

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Marielouise

Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

9/4/08

Overall

"Stunning. Best spy/thriller have heard"

An absolutely brilliant audiobook. Totally believable. Characterisation rich - author gives a balanced view of both sides of this conflict through his characters - even the lesser characters are very believable, plot completely gripping, and yet I didn't want it to end.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Anna

London, London, United Kingdom

4/6/08

Overall

"A step beyond an average thriller."

This novel grips from page one and is an intelligent and skillfully written account of the inherent conlicts within modern day espionage. The author takes a huge step beyond a good yarn and tackles the complex and lonely existence of a government agent who goes deep undercover for a protracted period of time. His hero stradles two worlds belonging and yet not belonging to either.
This is a challenging and fascinating listen enhanced by a splendid reading by Robertson Dean.
Highly recommended for the thriller fan.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Nick

Ilkeston, Derbyshire, United Kingdom

3/4/09

Overall

"A good read"

I really enjoyed this book, very plausible and well read, the best audiobook I have listened to yet.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Dr. Laurence G. Measey

Portsmouth, UK

2/28/13

Overall

"A good, intelligent, modern spy thriller"

Undercover agents have to learn their biographies so well that it becomes their number on operating story. Well does this so well that over the years he becomes his new self with understandable doubts as to the morality of his own country, America. It is, however, the same moral perspective that convinces him to accomplish his mission. Well written with some fine tense moments, neat twists and the menace of real danger. Not to be missed as this is the first spy story from a major writer of modern thrillers.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Angela C

3/20/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"US Agent inside El Queda grips to the end"

What did you like most about The Faithful Spy?

Believability and excitement. Extremely interesting in its exploration of the psychology of deep cover agents and thought provoking in its depiction of the gulf dividing austere Islamic thinking from America's profligate consumer society and with an intelligence community riven by politics, but still trying to do the right thing.

What did you like best about this story?

The plot, the setting, the characters and a great climax.

Which character – as performed by Robertson Dean – was your favourite?

Hero, heroine, villain and Tariq, the little student chemist.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many.

Any additional comments?

An intelligent spy story that builds and builds momentum. Highly, recommended.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Shaun

Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom

1/10/07

Overall

"GRIPPING........."

Well written, well researched and well told.
The author was (or still is??) a jounalist and I think it is clearly evident in this well researched book. The characters and plot are completely beliveable and it doesn't take long to get completely immersed in both.
Definitely the most exciting book I've read (listened to!!) for a long time. This should be further up the list of top sellers - read it - you won't be dissapointed.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

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